A HEATED DEBATE.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1214, 24 August 1911, Page 5

A HEATED DEBATE.

NEW SOUTH WALES POLITICS. BITTER ATTACK ON LAJ3OUR PARTY. NEEDED VOTE GONE. By Tclcsrapli-Press Association-Copyright (Rcc. August 23, 0.5 p.m.)

Sydney, August 23. The New South Wales Parliament; was opened to-day by commission. Mr. E. Willis was nominated as Speaker. Mr. llolman, Acting-Premier, stated that he did not intend to stifle discussion. The proceedings wero electric and disorderly from the commencement The mover and seconder of Mr. Willis's nomination for the Speakorship were constantly interrupted by sarcastic Opposition remarks. Mr. Wade, Leader of tho Opposition, made a long speech and hotly and bitterly attacked tlib Government and Mr. Willis.Almost A Fight, A constant oxchango of heated remarks took place and at ono point only tho intervention of others pi evented two inouibers from exchanging blows. Mr. Wnde declared that tho course followed by the Government involved a degradation and humiliation of Parliamentary Government such as had never before been seen. The Government were so hungry of office thai they would do anything rather than relinquish their grip. They had beccme tho great betrayers of'history and had dangled the bait of prestige and emolument beforo the "eyes of members. Mr. Willis Reproached. Mr. Wade reproached Mr. Willis with deserting tho and accepting the Speakorship, and declared that ho was absolutely unworthy to fill the chair, after having mado himself a party to a disgraceful contract, tho object of which was to keep in power a Government that had ceased to enjoy tho confidence of tho House and the ccuntry. A Spirited Reply. Mr. Holraan, who was frequently interrupted, mado a spirited reply to Mr. Wade. He defended the Government and Mr. Willi?, if tiie Labour party had been ablo to sppeai to , two farmers' electorates at a moment of unpopularity and intense excitement, and the Liberals had failed to gain these seats, the Labour party could face a General Election with composure. The House would be permitted to clear up business which was clearly necessary before an appeal was mado to the country. The Government were determined to get the Electoral Reform and Redistribution of Seats Bills through. Ho pledged his word that no olfert would be made to pass legislation while the party had not a majority. He expected a general election about Christmas.

HOUSE OUT OF HAND. THE OPPOSITION DETERMINED. (liecv August 24, 1 a.m.) Sydney, August 23. The debate in tlio Assembly still continues, and there is prospect of a protracted sitting. The proceedings arc of a frec-aad-oasy character. The clerk, who is filling tho place of Speaker, is without his powers, end is helpless to check members. Tho Opposition are determined to resist Mr. Willis's appointment to the death, but aro willing to conipromiso if someone else is nominated.